Overview

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full-time programme running for 18 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme will be offered on a continuous basis with students commencing the programme in either September or March. Students will receive an 18 month contract of employment with the Cork University Maternity Hospital. The Higher Diploma will comply with the professional requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the EU directives for registration as a midwife. Registered midwives who complete the programme will be eligible for midwifery registration in another EU Member State when they have completed one further year of clinical practice.

In Year 1, students take taught modules to the value of 40 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B). In Year 2, students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B).

Attendance

Full attendance is required at all scheduled teaching activities in all modules and clinical placement to meet NMBI and EU REquiremetns to be eligable for registration as a midwife.  

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Midwifery (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Actively fulfil a philosophy of midwifery and a commitment to high standards of professional practice within the scope of midwifery practice and the health care services;
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills about pregnancy and childbirth and the newborn and provide safe and effective antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care for women and their families;
• Conceptualise the process of the childbirth cycle utilising the contribution of biological and social sciences;
• Establish and maintain effective caring and interpersonal relationships with women and articulate and represent the needs of individual women, babies and families while supporting shared decision-making throughout the woman's childbirth experience;
• Effectively coordinate, organise and manage midwifery care on own initiative and in consultation with the multidisciplinary team;
• Proactively effect change in response to women's needs and preferences that will benefit mothers and babies locally, nationally and internationally;
• Promote the concepts and politics of normal birth;
• Critically appraise and evaluate current research evidence and best practice for midwifery and its implications for practice in a variety of settings;
• Facilitate lifelong learning for self and others to enhance competent, flexible and responsive midwifery practice.